Author: Monojit Mandal
São Paulo 72 – 69 Flamengo
In a high-intensity clash, São Paulo defeated Flamengo by a narrow score of 72 to 69, sweeping their opponents and earning a place in the final of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) championship. This incredible victory is the second time in São Paulo’s history that the team has reached the title decider.
The tension increases when Franca and Minas meet in the second semi-final to determine the season’s other finalist. Both teams showed great skill throughout the campaign, with one win each. So Paul is anxiously awaiting the outcome of this match to find out who will challenge him in the long-awaited title race.
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There is no clear favorite for the final, regardless of the result. Franca and Minas are powerful teams, and the Tricolor are well aware of the task ahead of them. Winger Betinho expressed his confidence in his talents and emphasized the unexpected aspect of a final.
São Paulo’s game against Flamengo began with the carioca team leading the pace, motivated by the need to win after losing the previous two games. Flamengo led 27-19 at the end of the first quarter and kept the lead. Miller hit a three-pointer with just 10 seconds remaining in the second quarter, putting the score at 39-38 in São Paulo’s favor and exciting the crowd.
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As the third session progressed, São Paulo maintained their lead and came close to completing the sweep, winning 54-49. Flamengo, the most successful team in the NBB, refused to back down. Cuello brought Flamengo within a point of a draw in the final moments of the game, with just 1 minute and 45 seconds left on the clock. Fischer managed to tie the score at 67-67, adding to an already tense match.
Miller hit a spectacular three-pointer with 51 seconds remaining, taking São Paulo to a 70-67 lead and sparking a wave of enthusiasm among the tricolor fans in the stands. São Paulo regained control but, in a silly moment, lost the ball carelessly. Flamengo returned the favor with a similar mistake. Paulo committed a foul with eight seconds remaining after regaining possession. Miller kept his cool and hit both free throws, giving São Paulo a hard-fought 72-69 win and a place in the NBB final.